Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford relishes chance to suit up for Team Canada

Corey Crawford quickly that there is no interruption of training when you are the goalkeeper for the Canadian team, especially not during a team practice.

When you could take a short break as a goalkeeper? When Sidney Crosby or Stemkos down for 2-to-1? When Toews is the gap? When Doughty preparing to unload rocket slap shot from the circle?

The better question might be – who are more difficult to face?

“All of them,” Crawford said with a laugh. “It’s pretty difficult. … We did a lot of things the system so far, but still it’s great to be on the ice with this great talent and skill.”

Crawford is relishing the chance to play for the Canadian team for the first time since becoming a starting goaltender hawks “in the 2010/11 season and won two Stanley Cups.

It was uphill for Crawford Jersey to get personal recognition for the past five years as from the NHL and Hawks fans who suggest it as an easy scapegoat when the Hawks lose.

But berth on the Canadian team at the World Cup this month is one of the first bullet point on the resume Crawford he can call his own.

“It means a lot,” Crawford said. “It’s more about getting a chance to put the jersey of Team Canada at. This is most useful for me. It’s a pretty special feeling grows, watching Team Canada play for the gold medal and watch the world juniors and then having the opportunity to be here and to be with all the best players” .

Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford
Photos goalkeeper Blackhawks.
Crawford is one of three goalkeepers for Team Canada. The rest of the last two Vezina Trophy winner – Carey Price and Braden Holtby Canadiens capitals.

Crawford got his first chance in the net on Saturday, when he entered the 10 minutes, 15 seconds into the second period of a 5-2 win over Canada US He stopped all 10 shots he faced, including two flashy saves that drew a reaction from the crowd at the Canadian Tire center.

“I was a bit nervous to start,” Crawford said. “I’ve never played against Canada, so it was a little different situation. I think after the first save, I was able to get into it.”

Looking at the list, you might think, Crawford to third place in the hierarchy, but coach Mike Babcock is not determined by who gets the most playing time, when the World Cup will start September 17

Babcock said Crawford stories of victory, which gave him the nod for a spot on Team Canada.

Corey Crawford physicality between the United States and Canada in the exhibition
Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford discusses the materiality between the United States and Canada during the exhibition before the World Cup on Saturday, September 10, 2016 (Chris Hein / Chicago Tribune)
“I like guys who win every night, and, as a coach, when the goalkeeper is really good, it makes you feel really comfortable,” Babcock said. “… We have to decide who plays.”

Crawford wants to make this difficult decision, even when he learns from watching prices and Holtby.

“(I learned) stuff here and there (so far), but just watching these guys – Holtby so fast and the price is playing a game so smooth,” Crawford said. “… They are the best goalkeepers in the world.”

This group is part of Crawford is now, after several years of being on the street.